After 14 years of creating content, I’m making a few heartfelt changes. Here’s what’s staying the same, what’s shifting, and why now feels like the right time.
It’s been a while since we’ve had a good heart-to-heart, so today I want to share a little about what’s been going on in my life, and let you know about some changes I’m making here on the blog.
This past year has been one of reflection and transition. It was this time last year that my dad passed away. He was ready to go, and I truly thought I was ready to let him go. But as many of you know, grief doesn’t always follow the path we expect. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him…the talks we used to have, and the simple act of being there for him. He gave my life purpose, and even now, I’m still struggling to find my footing without him.
That said, I’m not writing this through a puddle of tears. I’m doing okay…but I am tired. And I’ve realized it’s time to make some changes. After weeks of thinking and planning, I’ve made a few decisions that I want to share with you.
First, I’m not ready to retire, and I’m certainly not ready to stop sharing here. This community means too much to me. But I am ready for a lighter load and more flexibility. I’m craving fewer deadlines and a little more breathing room.
To begin, I’ll be stepping away from Home Style Saturdays, Wednesday Wish List, and Fresh Baked. These series have brought me so much joy, and your support of them has meant the world. I just sent the last Fresh Baked, and I’ll be wrapping up the other two at the end of June.
As a result, I’ll be moving to two emails per week, which you’ll receive on Sundays and one other day, probably Wednesday. This new format will start in July, and will include everything you’ve come to expect…seasonal inspiration, my own rebranded version of The Wish List, my Simple Living journey, recipes, and the monthly digital calendars. I’ll still be here, but you will have a little less clutter in your inbox! I hope to offer ideas that feel more thoughtful, more connected, and maybe even more fun.
I’ll be honest…I don’t have everything figured out just yet. This new 2-emails-per-week format feels right for now, but I know it might need a little tweaking as time goes on. I’m giving myself the grace to experiment, to see what works, and to make adjustments along the way. If I feel like I want to send more (or less) than two emails a week, I’ll regroup and keep moving forward. I’ve learned that it’s okay not to have all the answers…but I will keep showing up with purpose and heart.
I’ve been creating content here for many years, and I’ve truly loved every step along the way. What began as a simple creative outlet has grown into something more meaningful than I ever imagined. I never thought it would be possible to earn a real living doing something I love…and that’s only been possible because of you. Your encouragement and continued presence have carried me through the highs and the lows. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I’m so grateful to still be here…and who knows? Maybe the best is yet to come.
P.S. If there’s something you’ve always wondered about…whether it’s how I do things around my home, a decorating dilemma, or even a recipe you’d love to see, please leave a comment and let me know. I’d truly love to hear your ideas!
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I have followed you from the very beginning of blogging “On Sutton Place”. I too, had my blog “Mountain Mermaid” the
adventures of a Florida Beachy Girl in Mile High Denver Colorado!
I began in May of 2009
And continued until it no longer was fun.. the requirements became too restrictive for me!
We made the move back to Florida due my husbands health.
I am so very very proud of you bloggers KariAnne Wood,
Rhoda, Brenda at cozy little house who beat the odds and keep turning out wonderful reads continually!
I understand.. we were all so much younger and truthfully, we were excited about being bloggers!!
Your faithful followers will still be there eagerly awaiting your mext post!!
I have enjoyed all your emails and fully understand why you’re cutting back your activities.
The one I’ll miss the most is on Saturdays. I really looked forward to ws to read the other designers that were part of it. Is there a way they’ll continue and I can subscribe to it?
I wish you the very best as you start this new season of your life,
Sue
The best to you as you navigate through this difficult time.
Good for you, Ann. Do what’s best for you.
Oh Ann,
I read this post with tears. Loosing our parents is never easy.. I am so sorry for your loss. Even though it has been many years for me since loosing my parents I too still miss them often. My energy is so depleted from sadness from loss. I have lost three siblings in just over 5 years. One older and two younger. I have good days and difficult days. Two were in their early 60’s…just way too young. My hearts feels for the loss you are experiencing.
Thank you for alllll your hard work. You have inspired me always but really helped me as I processed downsizing last year. I for certain will continue to follow you and look forward to your posts… and those nummy recipes😋
Ann,
You have to listen to yourself and take care of you!
You’ve been a bright spot and will continue to be for so many.
Thank you and wishing you all the best.
Elese
Good for you. Recognizing when you need to adjust is so important. Missing a parent is hard. I lost my Dad thirteen years ago. Still miss him. Now my Mom has late stage dementia but I cherish time spent with her and dread her passing. She’s 94 and she still talks of missing her Mom and Dad.
Good for you—-priorities change for everyone. I know I want to spend less time on the computer and more time doing things I truly love like my crafts and spending time with family and friends. Life is short, change is good.
I truly understand cutting back and I’m glad you’re not totally going away because your blog is the only one I appreciate and enjoy. I don’t follow the other ones on Wednesday, so many times I didn’t read there’s. I look forward to your change.
I know the feeling of missing a parent, there are often times I see something, I do something and I want to share with my mother, she has been gone since 2007. But I do have very good memories and I share those times with my children.
Best wishes for you as you continue to travel this new road.
As a blogger for the past 6+ years, I totally understand the need to take a breather and readjust as necessary. Some days the inspiration is there and other days, not as much. I love your blog and am so happy that you are continuing on your own terms. I think you are making a wise decision to go back to your original format. I enjoyed that more than the homestyle Saturdays and wish list platforms. Good luck in everything and I will continue to be a faithful reader!